Does implantation bleeding happen when period is due

When a fertilized egg attaches to the wall of the uterus, where it can begin growing, some light spotting may occur. This is called implantation bleeding, and it can be one of the earliest clues that you are pregnant. Some women don’t experience this type of bleeding, and some simply don’t notice it. If it happens, it doesn’t indicate a problem with your pregnancy. If you’re wondering if you might be pregnant, take our Am I Pregnant? quiz for a little fun and grab a home pregnancy test.

Is It Implantation Bleeding or My Period?

It’s possible to mistake implantation bleeding for a very light and early period at first. However, there are some differences to pay attention to. Although every woman’s period is different, it’s still possible to guess that it's implantation bleeding by the color and amount of bleeding, and by where you are in your menstrual cycle, as well as by looking out for other early signs of pregnancy — more frequent bathroom trips, fatigue, and nausea (i.e., morning sickness).

These are the main signs and symptoms of implantation bleeding compared to a period:

• The amount of blood. Implantation bleeding isn’t heavy; it’s more like a discharge or light spotting that’s about a few drops of blood on your underwear.

• The color of the spotting. The blood from implantation is more of a pinkish or brown color, rather than a bright red some women normally see during a period.

When Does Implantation Bleeding Happen?

You may notice implantation bleeding around 10 to 14 days after conception, when a fertilized egg becomes attached to the lining of your uterus. Keep in mind that conception may not occur on the same day you had sex. Sperm can live as long as five days inside a woman’s reproductive tract, and conception might not occur for several days after sex.

Should I Take a Pregnancy Test During Implantation Bleeding?

You can take a home pregnancy test during implantation bleeding. Keep in mind that the pregnancy hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (or hCG) that pregnancy tests detect only starts being produced in your body the moment the fertilized egg is implanted in the uterus — which is the trigger for implantation bleeding. The earlier you take the test, the less hCG there is to detect, meaning that the test may not yet be accurate. If you have the patience to wait, you’ll get a more accurate test result if you wait until after the first day of your missed period.

If you get a positive test result, schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider to confirm your pregnancy. And you can get an estimate of when to expect your baby by using our handy tool to calculate your due date.

Should I See a Doctor?

Implantation bleeding is generally nothing to be concerned about, but it’s a good idea to talk to your healthcare provider about any bleeding you experience during pregnancy. Although light bleeding in early pregnancy can be totally normal, there are some reasons for bleeding in early pregnancy that need to be addressed immediately. These can include infection, miscarriage, or ectopic pregnancy.

During pregnancy, your body goes through all kinds of changes. Some are obvious and expected, like a growing belly or the stoppage of your menstrual cycle. But did you know that very early on, you may experience some bleeding that could be mistaken for your period? This is called implantation bleeding, and we sat down with Heather Reed, MD, an obstetrics and gynecology physician and medical director of labor and delivery at Banner – University Medical Center Tucson, to learn what it is and when you should be concerned.

Q: What is implantation bleeding? Is it normal?

A: Pregnancy starts when an egg is fertilized in the fallopian tube and then makes its way to the uterus. When the fertilized egg reaches the uterus, it attaches to the uterine wall. When this attachment happens, you may experience a small amount of bleeding. This is called implantation bleeding and it is completely normal.

Q: How much bleeding is normal?

A: The amount of bleeding at implantation can vary between women. Some women may not experience any bleeding with implantation, while other women may have bleeding that compares to a light period and lasts two or three days. Anything on that continuum – from no bleeding to bleeding resembling a light period – can be considered normal.

Q: I’m experiencing bleeding that is heavier than a light period. Should I be worried?

A: Because implantation can be the same time as you might be expecting your period, it can be hard to tell the difference between implantation bleeding and your regular menstrual bleeding. It’s tough to know when you should be worried because every woman’s circumstance is different. However, any time bleeding saturates a pad in less than two hours it should be considered too much vaginal bleeding, and you should consult a physician.

Q: Are there other symptoms associated with implantation bleeding?

A: Some women experience slight cramping or nausea during implantation, in addition to light bleeding. Because implantation occurs so early in pregnancy it can be difficult to tell if the symptoms are from implantation or your regular monthly menstrual cycle.

Q: How do I know the difference between implantation bleeding, my menstrual period, and a miscarriage?

A: Unfortunately, there’s no way to tell the difference between implantation bleeding and menstrual bleeding. Implantation occurs 6-12 days after conception, which is around the same time you may be expecting your monthly period, and both can produce the same amount of bleeding.

If you think you may be pregnant, your best bet is to take a home pregnancy test. The level of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a pregnancy hormone, can vary between women but most home pregnancy tests can detect pregnancy. However, it’s important to know that a home pregnancy test can produce a false negative because everyone’s hormone level is slightly different. While it’s possible to become pregnant and lose the pregnancy this early on – resulting in light bleeding that could be confused with implantation bleeding – a pregnancy loss this early isn’t considered a miscarriage.

If you think you’re pregnant, it’s best to make an appointment with an OBGYN. An OBGYN can provide a pregnancy blood test and if you are pregnant, start important prenatal care right away.

For additional information, check out these related articles: Is My Period Normal? — 7 Signs You Might Be Pregnant — Things You Should Know About Well-Women Visits. And for other helpful advice regarding pregnancy, visit the Banner Health blog. 

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